If you haven’t had a chance to see Center Rep’s “Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World,” there’s still time. The funny, quirky show by Yussef El Guindi runs through May 12 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center.

A part of the company’s “Off Center” series, the show performs in the more intimate Knight Stage 3.

The romantic tale follows Egyptian taxi driver Musa and a slightly wacky American waitress Sheri as the unlikely duo begins a relationship. All the usual twists and turns of new love become even more exaggerated, given the cultural and religious differences, not to mention Musa’s fiancé.

Director Michael Butler found a wonderful cast to bring out the best in El Guindi’s lively characters. Gabriel Marin, who took over the role of Musa late in the rehearsal process, infuses the philandering Musa with such vulnerability and enthusiasm that he becomes one of the most likable characters in the story. Rebecca Schweitzer also skillfully transforms Sheri, whose insecurities and incessant talking can be a bit nerve-racking, into a more focused, loving mate. Lena Hart plays Musa’s fiancé with a rich complexity, while TV/film star Carl Lumbly brings a charismatic wisdom to his Samolian character. Dorian Lockett as Musa’s absent roommate adds an otherworldly warmth to the production.

Kudos to sound designer Lyle Barrere whose instrumental soundtracks add another level to the production and to Butler’s creativity with suitcases! Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

n n

Danville’s Role Players Ensemble has crafted an entertaining, highly educational production with its current show “Requiem for a Heavyweight.” Running through May 18, the show is staged as a live television recording of “Playhouse 90,” the original debut of Rod Serling’s Emmy award-winning drama about the underbelly of professional boxing.

Director Eric Fraisher Hayes and lighting/scenic designer Chris Guptill and sound designer Robert “Bo” Golden have gone to great lengths to create an authentic 1950s television studio complete with genuine studio cameras, boom mikes and control board on loan from the Media Museum of Northern California. In keeping with the period, costumer Lisa Danz has clothed the large cast in a fine array of period styles.

A replay of a Groucho Marx show, projected on two large screens, gets audience members into the time period as soon as they enter the theater. The immersion in the 1950s continues as period commercials take over the screens during the television show’s “commercial breaks.” Whether pushing the cereal of the week or touting the pleasure and implied sophistication of smoking cigarettes, the commercials had audience members of all ages enthralled.

Sterling’s gritty characters, well played by most of the cast, bring out the harsh realities of life in the fighting game once a fighter has taken too many punches. Such is the case for Mountain McClintock, whose disappointing last fight has left his manager in debt to the wrong people and the fighter declared medically unfit to enter the ring. Khary Moye gives a well-rounded performance displaying McClintock’s vulnerability and loyalty as well as the toughness and integrity that once made him a champ. His scenes with Katy Hidalgo as Grace are especially effective. Craig Eychner also delivers a nicely nuanced performance as McClintock’s trainer, with Michael Sally portraying McClintock’s despicable manager.

Vagabond Players presents Neil Simon’s “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” on May 18 at 8 p.m. and again May 19 at 2 p.m. at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch.

The romantic comedy tells of a middle-aged restaurateur who after 23 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart decides he’s missed out on too much in life. Determined to have an affair, he sets up various rendezvous in his mother’s apartment while she is out doing her weekly volunteer work. With his seduction skills more than a bit rusty, the restaurateur provides more laughs than lust. The show features Sheilah Morrison, Barry Hanau, Lana Lang and Peggy Scalise. For tickets, call 925-757-9500 or go to ww.vagabondplayersinc.com.

Mark Purdy is a sports columnist for the Bay Area News Group. He joined the organization's Mercury News in 1984 and has covered 14 Olympic Games, more than 30 Super Bowls and more than 20 World Series. He concentrates mostly on the Bay Area's professional teams but covers all sports. He was there for the first Sharks' game at the Cow Palace in 1991 and documented the team's 2016 Stanley Cup playoff run.